In 2023, UK employers in the tech and digital sectors face significant challenges when it comes to finding and retaining the right staff.
The pandemic has left many employees and candidates feeling uncertain and apprehensive about job changes and interviews in such an unpredictable environment. Massive layoffs at major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Meta are only adding to the anxiety.
While the pandemic was raging, big tech firms were ramping up their workforce by over 200%, offering candidates lucrative job opportunities and pay well above the standard 10-15% increase. But now, we're seeing the predicted mass downsizing as these firms reduce their headcount, leaving candidates and employees wondering what the future holds.
The pandemic saw a massive surge in digital growth, with start-ups launching at an unprecedented scale and big tech firms rapidly hiring talent through enticing perks and incentives. However, the work culture and offerings of remote work, hybrid spaces, and in-house perks now seem short-lived and unfulfilled as employers ghost their workers.
Looking ahead, there's predicted to be a global shortage of over 85 million tech workers by 2030, which means finding, training, and supporting that critical 1-2% of talent within digital and tech will be essential. As the UK faces a pivotal decade, economic growth will be vital to drive job creation across all digital sectors.
Three top growth areas are Tech4Good (such as EnviroTech and EdTech), Media & Entertainment (with a focus on AI and Animation), and HealthTech. If you looking for a new role or to pivot your career focusing on these areas will enable you to position yourself as a sought-after candidate and increase your chances of finding and keeping a job in the fast-paced world of tech and digital.
Here are some tips for employers looking to attract and retain digital talent in 2023:
Offer competitive salaries and benefits. This is a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. In today's competitive market, you need to be willing to pay top dollar to attract top talent. And don't forget about benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and pension plans.
Create a positive work culture. This means fostering a sense of belonging and community, and providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow. A positive work culture is one of the most important factors in employee retention.
Empower employees to make decisions. Digital workers are used to being in control of their own work. Give them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects. This will help them feel more engaged and motivated.
Provide opportunities for growth. Digital workers are always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn. Make sure you have a clear career path in place, and offer opportunities for employees to take on new projects and responsibilities.
Listen to employee feedback. Digital workers are not afraid to speak up. Make sure you're open to feedback, and use it to improve your company culture and work environment.
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